Strategic Plan
Adopted September 14, 2026 for fiscal years 2027-2031
Strategic Pillar 1: Ensure organizational resilience with a pipeline of passionate, engaged people
Goal 1: Thoughtful organizational design and succession planning
Goal 2: Maintain processes that reflect our values and culture
Goal 3: Robust board, volunteer, and docent leadership
Goal 4: Cultivate our culture of relationships
Strategic Pillar 2: Steward the House and deliver engaging experiences through steady, sustainable annual revenue
Goal 1: Predictable and sustainable, contributed annual giving
Goal 2: Prioritize earned revenue that is consistent with our mission
Goal 3: Budgeted capacity for desired future organizational state
Strategic Pillar 3: Grow our Glessner House community by expanding opportunities for people to learn about us
Goal 1: Expand awareness and understanding of the unique Glessner House experience
Goal 2: Leverage our foundation of passionate people to help us grow
Goal 3: Cultivate natural partnerships with other organizations
Goal 4: Increase the number of people engaging with the Glessner House community
Strategic Pillar 4: Deepen engagement with current and future friends of Glessner House by sharing authentic stories and learning opportunities
Goal 1: All programs are mission-based
Goal 2: Authentic and memorable experiences are at the core of everything we do
Goal 3: Unique exhibits and experiences are regularly offered to surprise and delight new and long-term guests alike
The strategic planning process was fully funded by two generous grants from the following:
§ Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development, a Program of the Chicago Community Trust
§ The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation